Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner. Every year, millions of Americans travel on this holiday and this year is no different. AAA estimates that nearly 39.2 million people will travel more than 50 miles from their homes.

As people pack their bags and start their journeys, there’s one aspect that everyone should include: safety.

In the last year, traffic fatalities reached a 16-year high. A new report from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that nearly 42,915 people lost their lives on the road in 2021. This Memorial Day, the National Safety Council (NSC)  estimates that nearly 450 people will lose their life on the roads.

“Over 100 people die every day on our roads, and that number is climbing,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president, roadway practice, at NSC in a press release. “Both NSC and NHTSA have estimated significant increases in traffic deaths this past year, putting us at a 16-year high. It’s devastating to see progress lost, and more important than ever that each individual steps up, takes safety personally and does their part to reverse this horrible trend.”

Some of these steps NSC encourages travelers to consider are:

1. Buckle up
2. Designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation
3. Slow down
4. Prepare before you go
5. Drive distraction-free
6. Look before you lock

To learn more about staying safe on the road, visit NSC’s website.